Alfredsson ponders joining Senators staff: report

"When that time comes, you have to have that discussion with people that have been there and see what they think and what I could contribute with in different areas," the former longtime Senators captain told the newspaper.

"I really enjoyed coaching [my children], and it was a big learning curve for me as well. You know it's easy when you see things on the ice -- 'Just do this' -- but you have to be able to explain it to 8-year-olds or 12-year-olds in a way they might understand it, and I really enjoy that. It's challenging, and I'm learning a lot from it too. I think I'm helping the kids become better and thinking in a different way than maybe I have with other coaches."

Alfredsson previously expressed an interest in a wide-ranging role with the Senators similar to the one Steve Yzerman held with the Detroit Red Wings before becoming general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Alfredsson watched some games with Ottawa general manager Bryan Murray and spent time in the Senators’ offices learning a bit about scouting after he retired as a player in December.

Murray has said he expects Alfredsson to stay out of hockey for at least one season.

"I feel I want to do something at some point. When that is? I don't know," Alfredsson said. "It's going to come naturally when you feel it's the right time to do something."

The Senators on June 4 gave coach Dave Cameron a two-year contract. He replaced Paul MacLean on Dec. 8 and helped the Senators rally to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where they lost to the Montreal Canadiens in six games in the Eastern Conference First Round.

Murray last month said he would step aside as general manager after next season.

Alfredsson, a right wing, had 426 goals and 1,108 points in 17 seasons with the Senators before finishing his career with the Red Wings in 2013-14. He joined the Senators for their warmup at Canadian Tire Centre before a game against the New York Islanders on Dec. 4, a few hours after announcing his retirement.

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